Spelling bee hosts feted writer

When 127 students descend on Mount Saint Vincent University next weekend for the Black Educators Association’s seventh annual provincial spelling bee, they’ll be in the company of a renowned poet who has performed for U.S. President Barack Obama.

This year’s event will feature two special guests from Houston: writing consultant Erik Cork and his protege Se7en The Poet, a spoken-word artist, author and motivational speaker who has performed for Obama.

Cork is the creator behind Rap, Rhythm & Rhyme: Rebuilding the Writing Foundation Workshop, and he is also the founder of International Write Now.

“We’re bringing him in to support the whole concept of writing and language and reading and vocabulary,” Jacqueline Smith-Herriott, the event’s chairwoman, said in an interview.

The competition will be followed by a backyard barbecue.

And on Friday, Cork will host writing sessions with elementary, junior high and high school students from across the province at the Black Cultural Centre in Cherry Brook.

“So, for all those folks who are English-language arts enthusiasts, he provides a musical, interactive session … to effectively introduce the children to skill sets,” Ken Fells, president of the Black Educators Association, said in an interview.

“When you learn spelling, you also learn language, and with language, you have a greater opportunity to be successful in school.”

Cash prizes of $500, $300 and $200, along with gift cards, are up for grabs in the competition.